Reusable pouch for treating a lock of hair

ABSTRACT

A device is provided that allows a user to apply a hair treatment chemical to hair. The device comprises an impervious sheet which can be folded along a transverse axis to form an envelope for retaining a lock of hair and a dose of hair treatment chemical. A releasable fastener is arranged around peripheral regions of the sheet to engage the sheet to fasten together opposing portions of the sheet. A region of the fastener engages the device to the lock of hair to retain the device to the hair while the sheet is unfolded, to permit the user to apply a chemical with the device in the open position. The fastener may consist of a layer of grip material comprising a self-engaging three dimensional structure wherein opposing portions of said grip material are capable of releasably fastening together when urged together and of releasably engaging a lock of hair.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims Convention priority to U.S. application No.61/769,894 filed on Feb. 27, 2013. The contents of said application areincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to cosmetic treatment of hair. Inparticular, the invention relates to an apparatus in the form of areusable envelope or pouch for applying a chemical such as dye or bleachto human or animal hair and a method for using such a pouch.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Chemical treatment of human or animal hair, for example by highlighting,low lighting or bleaching, is traditionally performed by separatingindividual locks of hair, placing aluminum foil under each lock,applying hair dye or other chemical to the locks and wrapping the foilaround each lock to temporarily seal in the chemical. When properlyperformed, this method allows the chemical to contact the hair for aprolonged period to treat the hair. However, this traditional method islaborious and requires a degree of expertise. Unless carefullyperformed, the hair treatment chemical can ooze out of the aluminum foilwrap. Aluminum foil is also opaque, requiring a user to open the wrap tocheck for hair color changes and/or to have sufficient expertise todetermine the appropriate treatment time.

An alternative treatment involves the use of a plastic masking sheet,such as that described in UK patent no. GB 2426447 and U.S. Pat. No.5,287,864. The masking sheet is generally rectangular with a pressuresensitive contact adhesive along one edge. A lock of hair can be placedon the sheet and adheres to the selected adhesive. A chemical is appliedto the hair, normally in the form of a paste or other viscousformulation. The sheet is then folded over to cover the lock of hair andthe adhesive layer retains the sheet in the folded over position withthe treated lock of hair sandwiched between the two layers of the sheet.The folded structure is open at the sides. Unless carefully performed,the chemical can escape from the sides of the structure and the devicecan dislodge from the hair with movement.

For these reasons, these treatments are usually performed in a beautyparlor and are relatively costly and time-consuming.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An objective of the present invention is to provide an improved methodand apparatus for applying a chemical treatment to hair.

One aspect of the invention relates to a device for applying a chemicalto a lock of hair. According to this aspect, the device comprises:

a sheet comprising a liquid-impervious material having opposing lateraledge regions, a top edge region and a bottom edge region opposed to thetop edge region. The sheet is configured to be folded along a transverseaxis wherein the top and bottom edge regions are brought together toform an envelope configuration for retaining a lock of hair and a doseof hair treatment chemical within the interior of the envelope; and

grip material adjacent to the top, bottom and lateral edge regionsfacing the interior of the envelope when folded. The grip materialconsists of a self-engaging three dimensional structure thatself-engages when two opposing layers are brought into contact, such asVelcro™ or Dual Lock™. The grip material is arranged on the sheet suchthat opposing layers of the material grip each other when the sheet isfolded to secure the top, bottom and side edge regions together to forma substantially sealed envelope structure. Furthermore, at least onelayer of the grip material (such as, in specific embodiments, the hooklayer of a hook and loop material or either layer of a “Dual Lock”material) can releasably engage a lock of hair to retain said lock ofhair to said sheet when the sheet is in an unfolded configuration. Thispermits the user to secure the device to a lock of hair and apply achemical thereto while the sheet is open. The sheet may then be foldedover to form an essentially sealed envelope which retains the hair andchemical with the interior.

The device may further comprise a clip for fastening a lock of hair tothe sheet prior to folding the sheet into an envelope configuration.

In another aspect, a layer of the grip material substantially fullycover a portion of the sheet that corresponds to one side of theenvelope, such that one interior face of the envelope is fully orsubstantially covered with the grip material. This embodiment provides arelatively large surface area on the open sheet for gripping the lock ofhair prior to folding the sheet into an envelope.

The impervious material can be flexible and foldable along saidtransverse axis or it can be rigid whereby the sheet is hinged alongsaid transverse axis. The impervious material can also be transparent.

According to one embodiment, at least one of said top edge region orbottom edge region comprises a sleeve extending transversly between thelateral edge regions. The sleeve has open ends to permit insertion of amanipulation tool therein to permit manipulation of the device againstthe user's scalp.

According to another aspect, the invention relates to a kit for hairtreatment comprising at least one device as described herein and a hairtreatment chemical in a dispenser or other convenient container forapplication to a lock of hair.

According to another aspect, the invention relates to a method forapplying a chemical to a lock of hair, comprising:

placing a lock of hair on a sheet of liquid-impervious material whichcan be folded along a transverse axis to form an envelope. The sheet isas described above and has opposing lateral edge regions, a top edgeregion, a bottom edge region opposed to the top edge region with gripmaterial as described above, adjacent the top, bottom and lateral edgeregions facing the interior of the envelope when folded;

contacting the lock of hair to the layer of grip material on the topedge region to thereby retain the lock of hair to said sheet, while thesheet is open;

applying a dose of a hair treatment chemical whereby the chemicalcontacts the hair;

folding the sheet about the transverse axis whereby opposing layers ofsaid grip material contact each other to form an envelope wherein thelock of hair is retained within said envelope, to retain the hair andchemical within the interior of the envelope; and

separating said opposing portions after the lock of hair has beentreated to release the lock of hair from the sheet.

The grip material, as mentioned, is a three-dimensional structurewhereby two opposing layers, which may be the same or different, engageeach other when brought into contact. Such materials are well known,such as Velcro and Dual Lock. In general terms, they are characterizedby a structural configuration that provides interlocks for releasableengagement. A hook and loop fastener comprises a first layer withhook-shaped projections and a second layer with looped material thatengages the hooks. A self-engaging “stem” fastener system consists oftwo identical layers of stems, each having a neck and enlarged head in amushroom-like configuration that releasably engage when brought intocontact.

In the present invention, the grip material provides two functions: asingle, unopposed layer of the grip material engages a lock of hair tothe sheet, and two opposed layers of the grip material may physicallyengage together to retain the sheet in a folded configuration.

A strip of said grip material can extend substantially around theperiphery of the entire sheet wherein the grip material is configured toself-engage to retain opposing regions of said sheet together to formsaid envelope structure wherein the central portion of the envelope isfree of the grip material. Alternatively, one of the upper or lowerportions of the sheet, corresponding to one face of the envelope, mayhave a strip of grip material adjacent to the side and upper or loweredge regions and the other of the upper or lower portions may besubstantially fully covered with an opposing layer of the grip material.According to this embodiment, the central portion of the envelope hasone clear face and one face fully covered by grip material within theenvelope interior. The fully covered face provides a larger surface forengaging the lock of hair when placed on the sheet in the openconfiguration.

According to another aspect, at least one of the top edge region orbottom edge region of the sheet comprises a sleeve extendingtransversely between the lateral edge regions. The sleeve has open endsto permit insertion of a manipulation tool through the sleeve, such as askewer or rod, to permit manipulation of the device against the user'sscalp. This optional configuration permits a user to more easilyposition the sheet close to or in contact with the user's scalp toensure that the lock of hair is treated as close to the roots aspossible.

Directional references used herein such as “upper”, “lower”, “side” andthe like are used purely for convenience of description and are intendedto refer to the device when in an upright position as shown in thefigures. It is evident that the invention may be used in anyorientation.

The term “sealed” as used herein in reference to the envelope structureis not intended to describe a completely leak-proof seal. Rather, theterm is intended to be used in the context of the intended use of thedevice, which requires only that the device only be leak-proof to adegree. It is understood that if pressure is applied to the device whenin use, fluids contained therein may leak.

The terms “impervious” or “liquid-impervious” in reference to the sheetrefer to a property whereby the sheet substantially prevents passage ofconventional hair treatment chemicals through the sheet. It will beunderstood that such a sheet is not necessarily impervious tonon-conventional hair treatment chemicals or other substances, nor thatit be completely impervious to materials. Rather, the term is used inthe context of the intended use of the invention whereby it issufficient to substantially prevent leakage or seepage of hair treatmentchemicals through the device.

The invention will now be further illustrated by reference to particularembodiments thereof. The described embodiments are not intended to limitthe scope of the present invention, which is to be understood byreference to this specification as a whole including the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a plan view, from above, of a device according to a firstembodiment of the invention shown in an open configuration with a lockof hair positioned on the device;

FIG. 1B shows the device according to the invention, in a closedconfiguration enclosing a lock of hair;

FIG. 2A shows a portion of an embodiment of the device showing fingergrip tabs in an open configuration;

FIG. 2B is a similar view to 2A, showing the tabs in a closedconfiguration;

FIG. 3A is a plan view, from above, of a device according to a secondembodiment shown in an open configuration, with a lock of hair securedtherein;

FIG. 3B shows the second embodiment in a closed configuration;

FIG. 3C shows a cross-section the clip portion of the device;

FIG. 4A shows the grip tab portion of the second embodiment in an openconfiguration;

FIG. 4B is a similar view to 4A, in a closed configuration; and

FIG. 5 shows a kit consisting of first and second embodiments of thedevice and a supply of clips for securing the devices together when inuse.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a third embodiment, in the open position.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the invention, inthe fully open position.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the fourth embodiment, showing apartially folded position.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the fourth embodiment in a fully foldedclosed position.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the invention, inthe fully open position.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the fifth embodiment, showing apartially folded position.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the fifth embodiment in a fully foldedclosed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1A to 2B illustrate a first embodiment of a device 100 forapplying a chemical to a lock of hair 102 according to the invention.Device 100 comprises a foldable sheet 104 of material. Sheet 104 isrectangular and comprises lateral sides 10 and 12 and upper and loweredges 14 and 16. Sheet 104 comprises a transparent or translucentmaterial that is impervious to hair treatment chemicals. In one aspect,the material comprises a flexible plastic such as plastic. A suitableplastic can be almost any type that is unaffected by conventional hairtreatment chemicals, which in general are not significantly reactivesince such chemicals must not attack the hair or scalp of the user. Assuch, Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) polyvinylchloride (PVC),polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP) can be used, as well as others.The thickness of sheet 104 may fall within a broad range; for example, 4to 10 mils provide a suitable range of thickness for sheet 104. Sheet104 is symmetrical about a midline 106 that extends along a transverseaxis joining lateral sides m and 12 of sheet 104. Midline 106 may bedefined visually by a visible marking, or it may comprise a region ofthinner material to facilitate folding, or it may comprise a virtualline. Preferably, a visual cue of the location of midline 106 isprovided to make it easy for the user to fold sheet 104 at the midline.Sheet 104 defines identical opposing regions 20 and 22 on either sidethereof. Region 20 comprises an upper region and region 22 is a lowerregion when the sheet is vertical, with midline 106 being horizontal.While in the present example sheet 104 is rectangular and is evenlybisected by midline 106, sheet 104 may also comprise other shapes thatmay be conveniently folded to form an envelope, as described below; aswell, midline 106 need not be located precisely midway between upper andlower edges but may be offset from this location whereby a portion ofupper region 20 protrudes above lower region 22 when the sheet isupright.

Sheet 104 may have a surface suitable for marking, for example toprovide directions to users or to allow a user to indicate the chemicalthat is in use or the time for removing the device. Preferably, thesurface permits an erasable form of marking to be applied. As well, thedevice 100 is preferably washable and reusable.

Sheet 104 can comprise a broad range of sizes depending on the desiredapplication. In one aspect, sheet 104 ranges from 6 cm to 9 cm in width,preferably about 7.5 cm and from about 10 cm to about 18 cm, preferablyabout 15 cm in length. However, the dimensions and configuration of thedevice 100 may vary considerably.

Sheet 104 can be folded in on itself along midline 106 to form anenvelope configuration composed of upper and lower opposing portions 20and 22 of sheet 104. When thus folded, midline 106 forms a sealed edgeof device 100, and the remaining three sides are initially open. Thelateral sides 10 and 12 are then fastened together by hook-and-loopfasteners 112 and 114; it will be seen that other fasteners or fasteningmeans may be employed to fasten the respective portions together alongor adjacent to lateral sides 10 and 12. However, as discussed below ahook and loop fastening system provides particular advantages. Fasteners112 and 114 are releasable whereby they may be readily pulled apart orotherwise released to unfold sheet 104 to release the lock of hair 102.When fastened, fasteners 112 and 114 close the opposing sides of sheet104 along lateral sides 10 and 12. Since hair treatment chemicals thatare typically used with the device 100 are usually in the form of apaste, it is not necessary for the closure to be fully sealed, providedthat it is sufficient leak-proof to prevent or substantially preventleakage of paste.

Additional fastener portions 25 and 27 are provided adjacent to upperand lower edges 14 and 16 respectively. Fastener 25 located on upperedge 14 is the hook portion of the fastener, which serves to grip a lockof hair 102 that is pressed against fastener 25. This allows the user totemporarily retain the device 100 in the open position to the lock ofhair 102, whereby the sheet 104 is held in an open position to the lockof hair 102. For this purpose, while many hook and loop fastener systemswill work, it can be desirable to select a hook and loop fastener thatis specifically adapted for engaging hair. This feature permits the userto apply a chemical to the hair 102 while sheet 104 is open and a lockhair 102 rests against the inside surface of sheet 104. When sheet 104is folded in half and the respective fasteners are fastened along thelateral and upper/lower edges, sheet 104 forms an essentially fullyenclosed envelope structure that is substantially closed along all foursides. Fasteners 25 and 27 retain edges 14 and 16 together to grip theuser's hair 102 for secure retention with the interior of sheet 104, asfolded into an envelope. In this embodiment, fasteners 112, 114, 25 and27 comprise strips arranged around the periphery of sheet 104 and thatmay range in width from about 1 cm to 3 cm and preferably are about 2 cmin width. The respective fastener strips surround an uncovered region 30of sheet 104. When sheet 104 is folded in half, region 30 provides apocket that retains the lock of hair and the hair treatment chemical, asdescribed below.

Hook and loop fasteners 112 and 114 may be replaced with otherreleasable fasteners or fastening means that provide a similar functionof fastening the opposing portions of sheet 104 together for forming anenvelope. The fasteners may also serve to engage a lock of the user'shair 102 to the envelope to permit the user to apply a chemical whilethe envelope is open. Suitable fastening means include, withoutlimitation, mechanical fastening means such as hook and loop fastenersas described above or zipper-type fasteners, as well as non-mechanicalfasteners such as magnetic fastening means or other substances thatengage on contact and readily disengage by peeling apart, and which aresuitable for repeated use and are relatively unaffected bycontamination. The latter types of mechanical fasteners may not providethe second function of retaining the user's hair, and can be used inconjunction with a clip or other means to retain the user's hair to theenvelope prior to closing the envelope.

As an alternative to a flexible, foldable material that can be foldedover to form an envelope, sheet 104 may comprise a rigid material thatis hinged along midline 106. In this embodiment, the opposing portionsof the sheet are spaced apart when folded so as to form an interiorspace at central region 30 within the envelope to accommodate the lockof hair 102 and hair treatment chemical. The fasteners may serve tospace apart the respective portions of the sheet 104 in this embodiment.

One or more corner regions 116 of sheet 104 are uncovered by fasteners112 and 114. This feature permits opposing layers of sheet 104 to beeasily separated at corner regions 116, to allow a user to separate therespective layers to open the device 100 from the closed position.Corner regions 116 may comprise recessed portions of fasteners 112 and114, as seen in FIGS. 1A and 1B. Alternatively, corner regions 116A maycomprise projecting tabs that extend outwardly from sheet 104, as seenin FIGS. 2A and 2B.

In use, a lock of hair 102 is placed on sheet 104 with the device 100 inan open (unfolded) position, as in FIG. 1A. Contacting the hair withfastener 25 temporarily engages the device 100 to the lock of hair 102and holds the device 100, in an open position, to the hair 102 withoutthe need to hold device 100 in place by hand. A dose of a hair treatmentchemical is then applied to the lock of hair 102. The chemical maycomprise any substance suitable for treating hair.

The term “chemical” as used herein is not restricted to a chemicalcompound, but is used broadly to include without limitation essentiallyany substance that may be placed within a pouch to treat hair by contactwith a lock of hair for an extended period. For example, suitablechemicals for this purpose may comprise individual compounds,compositions, mixtures, colloids, and emulsions. The chemical may be inany form or phase that permits application to hair, such as a paste,cream, gel, foam or liquid. It may also be in the form of a powder orother solid phase. Preferably, the chemical comprises a liquid that isrelatively viscous to minimize leakage and which the user can work intothe hair before closing the device. Examples include hair dyes,bleaches, lighteners and darkeners. The chemical may be applied by anysuitable means including without limitation brushing, spraying, drippingor any other suitable means of application. Alternatively, a lock ofhair 102 may be dipped in a bath of the chemical prior to placement onsheet 104.

After the chemical is applied to the lock of hair 102, sheet 104 isclosed to form a substantially sealed and leak-proof envelope around thelock to allow for an extended period of contact with the chemical. Forthis purpose, sheet 104 is formed into an envelope by folding along themidline 106 and engaging fasteners 112 and 114. As well, fasteners 25and 27 are engaged to close the upper and lower edges 14 and 16 of sheet104 together to thereby form a substantially sealed envelope wherein theonly openings are where the lock of hair 102 enters the envelope, asseen in FIG. 1B. A benefit of the use of a transparent or translucentmaterial for sheet 104 is that a user can visually check the effect onhis or her hair without opening the closed device 100. After the lock ofhair 102 has been treated by the chemical, opposing portions of sheet104 are separate to release the lock of hair 102.

FIGS. 3A-4B illustrate a second embodiment of device 200. Device 200comprises a sheet 204 and fasteners 212 and 214 similar to the firstembodiment. A hair clip 208 is secured to a top edge 14 of the sheet204. Clip 208 comprises any suitable clip that may be opened to receivea lock of hair 102 and closed to securely retain the lock 102 byfriction and/or a forming a contorted path for the hair 102. In thisembodiment, clip 208 comprises a U-shaped resilient member composed ofopposing arms 240 and 242 joined by a bridge 244 at one end. Bridge 244resiliently biases arms 240 and 242 towards an open position. Second arm240 terminates in a U-shaped retainer 246. The first arm 242 isconfigured to slip under retainer 246 to be retained in the closedposition, wherein the resilient biasing urges first arm 242 upwardlyagainst the underside of retainer 246 to be held in the closed position.When closed, arms 240 and 242 are spaced to tightly grip a lock of hair102. Arms 240 and 242 may be coated with a material having a highcoefficient of friction to improve the frictional grip on a lock of hair102 when clamped onto the lock 102. Clip 208 can be either removablefrom the sheet 204 or permanently fastened on the sheet 204.

Clip 208 can be fastened to sheet 204 by a sleeve 248 adjacent to upperedge 14 of sheet 204. First arm 242 slides into the sleeve 248 to beretained thereby. An alternative means to fasten clip 208 to sheet 204is to provide clip 208 with sufficient length to exceed the width ofsheet 204, which permits the user to close clip 208 on a portion ofsheet 204 adjacent its upper edge 14, along with a lock of hair 102. Forthis purpose, it can be useful to locate the fold in sheet 204 at anon-central position whereby upper edge 14 will protrude above loweredge 16 when sheet 204 is folded, to provide a protruding portion 250comprising a single layer of sheet 204 where clip 208 can fasten tosheet 204. The protruding portion can also be provided with the sleeveconfiguration 248 described above.

In use, clip 208 and sheet 204 are initially both placed in the openposition and a lock of hair 102 is placed on sheet 204 between arms 240of 242 of clip 208. Clip 208 is then closed to secure hair 102, as seenin FIG. 3A. The chemical is then applied to the lock of hair 102 as inthe first embodiment and sheet 204 is folded over on itself to form anenvelope that encloses the lock of hair 102. Sheet 204 is then sealedalong its periphery with fasteners 212 and 214 to retain the chemicalwithin the envelope interior for prolonged contact with hair 102, asseen in FIG. 3B. Corner regions 216, 216A uncovered by fastener materialare provided as in the first embodiment to permit opening of the device200. In this embodiment, clip 208 securely retains the device 200 to theuser's hair 102 so that the user may safely handle the closed device200, perform household chores or otherwise engage in activities thatmight otherwise dislodge such a device 200, without risk of it slippingout of position.

FIG. 5 shows a kit 500 for treating locks of hair with a chemical. Kit500 comprises a supply 501 of devices 100 or a supply 502 of devices200. Kit 500 may comprise different sizes of the devices 100 or 200. Kit500 further comprises a supply 503 of loose clips 508. Clips 508 may beused for clamping together several closed devices 100 or 200 to make iseasier for the user to treat multiple locks of hair 102.

FIG. 6 shows a further embodiment in which sheet 300 comprises opposingportions 302 and 304 located on opposing sides of midline 306. Portion302 is substantially fully covered with a layer 310 comprising the hookportion of a hook and loop fastener. The full coverage of the hookportion provides an improved grip on the user's hair when a lock 102 isplaced on sheet 300 in the open position. Opposing portion 304 can befully covered with an opposing layer 312 of the loop portion of hook andloop fastener, as shown in FIG. 6. Alternatively, the loop portion canbe limited to the side and bottom edge regions to provide fasten theopposing sheet solely in these regions to improve the ease of openingthe device.

FIGS. 7-9 show a further embodiment of the invention comprising anelongate sheet 400 having opposing portions 402 and 404 located onopposing sides of midline 406. Sheet 400 comprises upper edge 408,lateral (side) edges 410 and 412 on opposing sides of midline 406 andlower edge 414. When folded into an envelope configuration along midline406, upper and lower edges 408 and 414 are brought together, and lateraledges 410 and 412 are folded in on themselves as in the embodimentsdescribed above to form the sealed side edges of the resulting pouch. Astrip 420 of grip material extends around the periphery of sheet 400facing the interior of the device when folded in on itself to form anenvelope, as seen in FIG. 9. Strip 420 comprises a first segment 422adjacent to upper edge 408, second and third segments 424 and 426adjacent to lateral edges 410 and 412 and fourth segment 428 adjacent tolower edge 414. Strip 420 may comprise a continuous strip as seen inFIGS. 7-9 or alternatively discrete segments. The grip materialcomprises a self-engaging structure that provides two functions. First,a single, unopposed later of the material can grip a lock of hair 102 ina relatively weak grip engagement. This permits the user to place a lockof hair 102 against sheet 400 when sheet 400 is open. Slight pressure onthe lock of hair 102 loosely fastens the lock of hair 102 to one ofsegments 422 or 428 to hold sheet 400 against the user's head. Thesecond function of the grip material is self-engagement wherein opposinglayers of the material can be engaged together by urging the layerstogether. This function permits the segments to engage opposing portionsof sheet 400 together to form an envelope structure.

The grip material that forms segments 422, 424, 426 and 428 comprises aphysical structure that is self-engaging. That is, opposing sheets ofthe same material can grip each other when pressed together. The term“self-engaging” as used herein refers to the property wherein the samematerial can form two opposing faces and grip together when brought intocontact. The term “physical structure” refers to a three dimensionalconfiguration that provides such a function by its physical structure,as distinct from a gripping property provided by a non-structuralmaterial such as an adhesive. An example of such a material is a layerof material that comprises an array of fingers protruding from asubstrate, each finger comprising a stem with an outwardly projectinghead at the free end thereof. The fingers are spaced sufficientlyclosely whereby when mated to a layer of similar material, therespective heads interlock for releasable engagement between theopposing layers. The fingers can comprise a mushroom-shapedconfiguration having a rounded upper surface and a flat or concave lowersurface for contact with an opposing flat or concave surface. An exampleof such material is Dual Lock™ by 3M.

It is the surprising discovery of the inventor that a single unopposedlayer of a self-engaging material of this type can provide sufficientretention of a lock of hair 102 to retain a sheet in an open position tothe lock of hair 102, to permit treatment of the hair 102 prior tofolding the sheet into an envelope. The device may thus comprise aregion having a single layer of such material to hold the hair 102 inplace or, in another embodiment, opposing regions of such material foralso fastening the device into an envelope configuration, in addition toreleasably retaining a lock of hair 102.

In the present example, a lock of hair 102 is held against sheet 400when in the open position. A hair treatment material is applied to thelock of hair 102. Sheet 400 is then be folded in on itself to form anenvelope as seen in FIG. 9. When folded, first and fourth segments 422and 428 contact each other and second and third segments 424 and 426 arefolded in on themselves whereby portions of each of these segmentscontact each other. When urged together, these opposing portions of thegrip material releasably fasten together to form the envelope shown inFIG. 9.

In alternative embodiments, only segments 422 and 428 comprise theself-engaging material described above. In this embodiment, lateralsegments 424 and 426 may comprise a different type of engageablematerial such as a hook and loop or other mechanical fastener or anon-mechanical fastener such as an adhesive. Alternatively, segments 424and 426 may be absent and lateral edges 410 and 412 may be unfastened.In a still further alternative, only one of segments 422 and 428comprises the self-engaging material described above, whereby thissegment is unopposed when folded into an envelope. In a still furtherembodiment, the entire surface of sheet 400 or a substantial portionthereof is covered with the self-engaging material, in the manner shownin FIG. 9.

In a further aspect, the device further comprises opposing regions ofsaid sheet uncovered by said grip located to permit a user to grip saiduncovered portions for unfastening said opposing portions. The uncoveredportions may be located at corners of the device, as described above, orform strips 430 adjacent to the upper and lower edges 408 and 414.

A further embodiment is shown in FIGS. 10, 11 and 12, wherein device 500comprises an elongate sheet similar in configuration to the embodimentof FIGS. 7-9, having opposing portions 502 and 504 located on opposingsides of midline 506. Sheet 500 comprises lateral (side) edges 510 and512 on opposing sides of midline 506 and lower edge 514. An upper edge540 of sheet 500 consists of a sleeve having an interior space 542, theopposing ends of which are open to accept a manipulation tool such as arod or other relatively thin, elongate member which may be inserted intosleeve 540. Sleeve 540 may either be permanently formed by securing aflap of the material of sheet 500 over on itself, or formed in anopenable fashion by providing a fastener such as a strip of Velcro (notshown) to temporarily fold a flap of sheet 500 over onto itself to formsleeve 540.

When folded into an envelope configuration along midline 506, sleeve 540and lower edge 514 are brought together wherein sleeve 540 protrudespast edge 514. Lateral edges 510 and 512 are folded in on themselves asin the embodiments described above to form the sealed side edges of theresulting pouch. A strip 520 of grip material extends around theperiphery of sheet 500 as in the above embodiment, comprising a firstsegment 522 adjacent to sleeve 540, second and third segments 524 and526 adjacent to lateral edges 510 and 512 and fourth segment 528adjacent to lower edge 514.

In use, a lock of hair is secured to sheet 500 when open, in the samefashion as in the embodiment of FIGS. 7-9, and a hair treatmentsubstance is applied. Sheet 500 is then folded to form a pouch whereinthe lock of hair is retained within the pouch. A manipulation tool suchas a thin skewer or the like can be inserted into sleeve 540, whichallows the user to manipulate sheet 500 to contact or nearly contact thewearer's scalp, to an extent that would be difficult without the tool.This manipulation step may be performed at any suitable time during theabove process and need not be performed after the lock of hair has beenenfolded within the closed pouch. The tool can then be removed from thesleeve for use with the next device 500.

It will be seen that sleeve 540 may be provided on one or both of thetop edge region or bottom edge region of sheet 500.

The scope of the invention is not limited to the preferred embodimentsillustrated and described by way of example in this document. The scopeof the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments setforth in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation

1. A device for applying a chemical to a lock of hair, comprising: asheet comprising a liquid-impervious material, said sheet comprisingopposing lateral edge regions, a top edge region and a bottom edgeregion opposed to the top edge region, said sheet being configured to befolded along a transverse axis wherein the top and bottom edge regionsare brought together to form an envelope configuration for retaining alock of hair and a dose of hair treatment chemical within said envelopebetween opposing portions of said sheet when folded; and grip materialadjacent to the top, bottom and lateral edge regions facing the interiorof the envelope when folded, said grip material comprising aself-engaging three dimensional structure which is configured on saidsheet to secure said top and bottom edge regions together to form saidenvelope structure and wherein at least one layer of said grip materialreleasably engages a lock of hair to retain said lock of hair to saidsheet when the sheet is in an unfolded configuration.
 2. The device ofclaim 1 wherein said grip material comprises one of a hook and loopfastener material or an array of mushroom-shaped stems.
 3. The device ofclaim 1 wherein said grip material comprises Velco™.
 4. The device ofclaim 1 wherein said grip material comprises Dual Lock™.
 5. The deviceof claim 1 further comprising a clip for fastening said lock of hair tosaid sheet prior to folding said sheet into said envelope configuration.6. The device of claim 5 wherein a portion of said sheet is unopposedwhen folded and said clip is engageable to said unopposed portion. 7.The device of claim 6 wherein said sheet comprises a sleeve for engagingsaid clip.
 8. The device of claim 1 wherein said grip material comprisesa strip adjacent to the periphery of said sheet whereby a central regionof said envelope is free of said grip material.
 9. The device of claim 1wherein said grip material substantially covers at least one half ofsaid sheet whereby a central region of said envelope is covered by saidgrip material on one interior face thereof.
 10. The device of claim 1wherein said impervious material is flexible and foldable along saidtransverse axis.
 11. The device of claim 1 wherein said imperviousmaterial is rigid and said sheet is hinged along said transverse axis.12. The device of claim 1 wherein said impervious material istransparent.
 13. The device of claim 1 wherein at least one of said topedge region or bottom edge region comprises a sleeve extendingtransversly between the lateral edge regions, said sleeve having openends to permit insertion of a manipulation tool therein to permitmanipulation of the device against the user's scalp.
 14. A kit for hairtreatment comprising at least one device according to claim 1 and hairtreatment chemical in a container for application to said lock of hair.15. A method for applying a chemical to a lock of hair, comprising:placing a lock of hair on a sheet of liquid-impervious material, saidsheet being foldable along a transverse axis and comprising opposinglateral edge regions, a top edge region, a bottom edge region opposed tothe top edge region, and grip material adjacent the top, bottom andlateral edge regions facing the interior of the envelope when folded,said grip material comprising a self-engaging three dimensionalstructure; contacting the lock of hair to the layer of grip material onsaid top edge region to thereby retain the lock of hair to said sheet;applying a dose of a hair treatment chemical whereby the chemicalcontacts the hair on said sheet; folding the sheet about said transverseaxis whereby opposing layers of said grip material contact each other toform an envelope wherein the lock of hair is retained within saidenvelope; and separating said opposing portions after the lock of hairhas been treated to release the lock of hair from the sheet.
 16. Themethod of claim 15 wherein said grip material comprises one of a hookand loop fastener material or an array of mushroom-shaped stems.